Honda has designed a lightweight ‘Base Station’ travel trailer

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January 16, 2026

The Base Station Prototype is able to be towed by compact SUVs, such as the best-selling Honda CR-V

Honda has revealed a concept for a lightweight travel trailer, aimed at making outdoor activities more accessible.

The Base Station Prototype is the work of Honda designers and engineers at two of the company’s research and design (R&D) centers.

Teams located in California and Ohio collaborated on the project. Part of the Base Station’s brief was to be light enough for towing by the best-selling vehicles in the United States.

Thanks to clever packaging and weight-saving construction, the Base Station can be hauled by popular family SUVs such as the Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.

Honda’s forthcoming all-electric 0-Series SUV could also tow the Base Station, making the trailer EV-compatible.

Small of stature, big on space

Honda made use of its “man maximum/machine minimum” design philosophy, aiming to maximize interior space without giving the trailer overbearing exterior dimensions.

The Base Station Prototype has space to accommodate a family of four inside. Sleeping options include a large futon-style couch that folds out to provide a queen-sized bed, plus an optional bunk bed for kids.

There are five large side windows to allow plenty of natural light into the trailer. These are removable, and can be replaced with extra accessories as required. They also have ambient lighting surrounds to make late-night camping easier.

A section at the rear of the Base Station can be raised to create seven feet of standing space inside. Even so, the trailer can still be stored in a standard residential garage or parking space.

Made with the Honda CR-V in mind

On the inside, Honda engineers have given the Base Station an array of amenities, including air conditioning, an outside shower, and an external kitchen complete with running water and an induction stove.

There is also a lithium battery to provide power, with integrated solar panels for a charging boost. A campsite electrical hookup, or a Honda generator, can be attached as well.

“Base Station is a perfect example of what can happen when you let a team of researchers, designers and engineers pursue bold new ideas to create new value for our customers,” said Jane Nakagawa, vice president of the American Honda R&D Business Unit.

“Just like the Motocompacto, Base Station is the product of fresh and innovative thinking. We designed it to make camping more accessible and enjoyable for families across America.”

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Grey is the UK’s favourite new car colour – but green is on the up

By

Richard Aucock

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January 16, 2026

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Grey was the top colour choice for UK new car buyers in 2025, making it the eighth year running that grey has been number one.

Meanwhile, the number of new green cars grew rapidly – up 46.3 percent to claim their highest volume in 20 years.

More than 550,000 new grey cars were registered last year. According to figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), that gives the colour a record 27.6 percent market share.

Black was in second place, with 464,369 new car registrations giving the colour its highest market share since 2019. Sales of black cars grew by nearly 10 percent in 2025.

The UK’s favourite non-monochrome choice was blue, with 306,349 registrations earning it third place in the rankings – up 4.9 percent in a year.

Together, grey, black and blue cars accounted for nearly two thirds of all the new cars registered in 2025.

White remained fourth and silver regained fifth place. It’s a comeback for silver, points out the SMMT, which used to dominate British roads in the early 2000s.

Red cars were very popular in the 1980s and early 1990s, but the colour has now slipped to sixth place. A 5.8 percent market share is the lowest for red cars since records began.

Green gains for new cars

The number of green cars registered in 2025 rocketed to nearly 100,000: the most since 2004.

Fittingly, points out the SMMT, the number of green-coloured electric cars almost doubled to reach 23,249 registrations.

This means one in 20 new electric cars registered last year was green, compared to just one in 300 the year before.

Notable new green electric cars include the Renault 5 E-Tech (pictured above) – indeed, green is the ‘free’ colour for the R5, with other hues being optional extras.

The Kia Sportage was the most registered new green car in 2025.

“UK car buyers’ preferences remain pretty consistent, with monochrome continuing to lead in popularity,” said SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes.

“The surge in green, however, matches the growing popularity of electrified cars as the new car market decarbonises.”

The SMMT figures also showed that mauve entered the top 10 most popular colours. The BMW 1 Series was the most-registered mauve car.

The best-selling Ford Puma was the top-selling car for four colour choices: blue, white, silver and red.

Car manufacturers also offered maroon, pink and turquoise paint colours last year. However, they accounted for just 342 registrations between them.

Indeed, turquoise was the least popular colour of all, making up just 12 new car registrations in 2025.

“As ever, manufacturers are responding by expanding model ranges, colours and finishes, giving UK drivers more opportunities to personalise their vehicles – even if grey matters most,” added Mike Hawes.

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Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50 orders open, priced from £47,995

By

John Redfern

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January 16, 2026

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Production of the Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50 is only scheduled for 2026, to coincide with the special 50th anniversary

UK prices and specifications for the Volkswagen Golf GTI Edition 50 have been announced, with the 50th anniversary hot hatchback now available to order.

As the fastest and most powerful road-going version of the Golf GTI to date, demand for the Edition 50 is expected to be high.

Order books open from Thursday 15 January 2026, and Volkswagen enthusiasts will need a minimum of £47,995 to secure one of the limited-production examples.

As the Golf GTI celebrates its 50th birthday this year, Volkswagen has scheduled production of the Edition 50 to take place only during 2026.

Although Volkswagen has created celebratory versions of the GTI before, the Edition 50 offers more than just fancy alloy wheels and new badges. But don’t worry, those are included as well…

The most powerful Golf GTI ever

Volkswagen chose to reveal the Golf GTI Edition 50 during the 2025 Nurburgring 24 Hours race weekend – a sign of the extra effort that has gone into this anniversary special.

Engineers began by upping output from the ‘EA888 evo4 LK3’ 2.0-litre engine to 325hp, alongside a thumping 310lb ft of torque. This makes it the most powerful Golf GTI to date.

An electronically controlled locking differential is fitted as standard to control the extra power, and sees the GTI Edition 50 accelerate from 0-62mph in 5.3 seconds. A top speed of 168mph is possible: far beyond the reach of the original 1976 Golf GTI.

An optional Performance Package includes semi-slick tyres, forged ‘Warmenau’ 19-inch black alloy wheels, an Akrapovic exhaust system and suspension lowered even further than the standard Edition 50.

The Performance Package components helped touring car ace Benny Leuchter set a new Volkswagen brand record around the infamous Nurburgring Nordschleife circuit.

Exclusive design details included

Along with the Golf GTI’s regular driving modes, the Edition 50 comes with a special ‘Nurburgring’ setting, aimed at those who want to challenge Leuchter’s lap time.

A seven-speed DSG automatic is the only gearbox available, but it does boast an ‘S+’ mode aimed at track driving, and an ‘M+’ mode to prevent upshifts at high revs.

Pure White is the standard exterior colour for the Edition 50, combined with a black roof and mirror caps. An exclusive Dark Moss Green will be on the options list, along with other paint colours such as the iconic Tornado Red (pictured here).

A set of 19-inch ‘Queenstown’ alloy wheels have with a bespoke red glaze, plus floating GTI-branded centre caps.

There is also a liberal application of ‘GTI 50’ badges, including on the roof spoiler and side mirrors, plus a gradient stripe along the base of the doors.

50 years in the making

More GTI 50 badges can be found throughout the Golf’s interior, including on the leather-wrapped steering wheel and door sill trims.

There is also a new take on the Golf GTI’s famous tartan-check fabric, with bold green lines and synthetic velour inserts. You’ll find additional GTI branding on the seats, too.

Volkswagen has also fitted red seatbelts, red and silver inserts for the aluminium pedals, GTI 50 floor mats and, as a finishing touch, an exclusive GTI 50 key.

For those intent on setting a new Nurburging record, a new GPS-based lap timer can be found within the infotainment system.

Volkswagen has not clarified when it will deliver Golf GTI Edition 50 cars to customers. Still, after five decades of development, the wait should be worth it.

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Hot Wheels Brick Shop adds Honda legends to self-build model range

By

John Redfern

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January 15, 2026

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A collaboration with Honda sees the Mattel Brick Shop Hot Wheels building sets sees the addition of the S2000 and Civic EF

The Brick Shop collaboration between Mattel and Hot Wheels now features two new Honda vehicles.

Aimed at adult enthusiasts, the Brick Shop range consists of buildable scale models, similar to Lego. Each car is accompanied by a Hot Wheels die-cast replica.

The new collaboration with Honda sees two of the Japanese marque’s best-loved cars rendered in brick form.

Mattel’s Brick Shop models come in a variety of sizes and price points, with the latest two additions found in the entry-level 1:32-scale Speed Series lineup.

A retail price of £21.99 should ensure the 1990 Honda Civic EF and 2007 Honda S2000 appeal to a wide range of fans.

Car customisation included

Launched in 1999, the Honda S2000 paired a high-revving VTEC 2.0-litre engine with a rear-wheel-drive roadster body.

Known for its engaging driving experience, including expressive handling and a precise six-speed manual gearbox, the S2000 quickly established itself as a Honda legend.

Appearances in the Fast & Furious film franchise helped secure its significance among car tuning enthusiasts, too.

The Mattel Hot Wheels Brick Shop S2000 continues this theme as, like other models in the range, enthusiasts can customise their model with decals and different wheel designs.

Opening doors are included as part of the kit, which has a total of 257 pieces – and includes a 1:64-scale Hot Wheels model of the S2000.

A miniature VTEC hero

Another new Honda in the Mattel Hot Wheels Brick Shop range is the Civic hatchback.

Produced for four years between 1987 and 1991, the fourth-generation ‘EF’ Civic became a hit with Honda enthusiasts.

A 160hp ‘B16A’ 1.6-litre VTEC engine transformed the Civic into a scorching hot hatchback with an 8,000rpm redline.

Although the Brick Shop version cannot recreate the iconic VTEC wail, it does come with customisable features and opening doors.

As with all Brick Shop models, a Hot Wheels signature metal plate is included for fitting to the base of the completed Civic, along with a 1:64-scale die-cast miniature.

‘True icons of Japanese performance‘

“Mattel Brick Shop continues to expand how adult fans and collectors interact with legendary vehicles,” said Ted Wu, global head of vehicles at Mattel.

“The Honda Civic EF and S2000 are true icons of Japanese performance culture, and through Hot Wheels and Mattel Brick Shop, builders can now celebrate these vehicles by recreating them with their own customisation to display on their shelves.”

“Honda vehicles have long been celebrated for their performance, design and connection to car culture around the world,” added Rebecca Adamson of Honda UK.

“Seeing icons like the Civic EF and S2000 reimagined through Mattel Brick Shop gives fans a new, hands-on way to engage with the engineering and spirit that define the Honda brand.”

Both the Honda Civic EF and S20000 Mattel Brick Shop models are available to purchase now.

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Motability says cheaper ‘slow’ charging is vital to boost EV uptake

By

Richard Aucock

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January 15, 2026

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A lack of lower-priced ‘slow’ EV chargers risks pushing up costs for electric car drivers, says new research from the Motability Scheme.

More than one in two drivers say the tariff or price per kWh is the key reason to choose a particular charger. Despite this, many drivers are having to rely on more expensive rapid and ultra-rapid chargers, even at times when a fast charge is unnecessary.

When questioned, only 27 percent of drivers said charger proximity was important, while just one in five said charging speed was key.

Gaps in local infrastructure are forcing drivers to use pricier EV chargers, says the Motability Scheme.

Its own data shows that 25 percent of charging sessions took place last year on cheaper, slower chargers, compared to 75 percent on expensive rapid and ultra-rapid devices.

The insights perhaps run counter to a common assumption that ultra-rapid chargers are vital – but this convenience comes at a cost, which is not something that everyone can afford.

Motability customers paid an average of 74p per kWh in 2025. Slow public chargers can cost up to 30p per kWh less than this, highlighting the scale of the potential savings for EV drivers.

Slow chargers needed close to homes

The Motability Scheme says many drivers lack slower, cheaper chargers close to where they live.

Those who don’t have home charging and want to use slow, more affordable public chargers rely on being able to leave their vehicle plugged in for longer periods.

However, in some parts of the UK, charge points can be far away – sometimes more than a 15-minute walk from home.

Contrast this with London, where more than four in five of households are within a five-minute walk from a public charger. Motability Scheme customers who live in the capital conducted nearly six in 10 charging sessions on money-saving slow chargers: the highest proportion in the UK.

‘Inspiring the next cohort of EV drivers will depend not just on interest in EVs, but on the experience people have once they use them,’ argues Motability.

‘While attitudes towards EVs remain stable, gaps in affordable, slow charging close to home are creating charging experiences that are often more expensive and less convenient than drivers expect. This is particularly detrimental for those without access to home charging.

‘Without the right infrastructure in place, it will be increasingly difficult to convert curiosity about EVs into confident, long-term uptake.’

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US hypercar firm Czinger opens new UK engineering base

By

Richard Aucock

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January 15, 2026

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Czinger, the exciting US hypercar startup founded in 2021, is opening a new base in the UK as part of a ‘significant’ investment and expansion strategy.

The new facility is at the MIRA Tech Park in Nuneaton, Warwickshire. It will place Czinger directly alongside leading UK suppliers and powertrain experts – plus the famous Horiba MIRA automotive test track and development facilities.

Czinger will use MIRA to continue its work in ‘redefining how cars are designed and manufactured’. Further development of the radical Czinger 21C (pictured) is set to benefit from the UK expansion, along with forthcoming new models.

“Czinger is a global brand with a vision that transcends borders,” said founder, president and CEO of Czinger Vehicles, Lukas Czinger.

“We’re incredibly proud to have established our UK base of operations at MIRA Tech Park. This world-class facility provides us with the advanced infrastructure and collaborative ecosystem we need to push the boundaries of automotive innovation.

“Our presence here reinforces our commitment to building cutting-edge hypercars while contributing to the UK’s position as a leader in advanced manufacturing and automotive technology.”

‘A visionary and disruptive business’

Czinger chief engineer Ewan Baldry said being in the UK “allows us to work alongside leading technology partners and leverage world-class infrastructure to bring our next generation of vehicles to life faster and more efficiently”.

Jack Bartlett, head of commercial and partnerships at MIRA Tech Park, welcomed Czinger’s arrival, calling it “exactly the kind of visionary, disruptive business that thrives at MIRA Tech Park.

“Their investment reinforces the UK’s position as a global leader in powertrain and advanced mobility development – and underscores our role as the location of choice for the future of mobility.”

Czinger is working closely with Divergent Technologies, the Silicone Beach-based firm behind the world’s first fully integrated digital manufacturing system.

Its digital tech works up to four times faster than traditional methods, which Czinger is utilising to be ‘at the forefront of a new industrial paradigm… where design, performance and sustainability converge through innovation’.

Premium EV brand Polestar previously had a development base at MIRA Tech Park, too. Development of the new Polestar 5, which will be launched this year, was largely undertaken there.

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Smokin’! New Corvette ZR1X sets new quarter-mile benchmark

By

John Redfern

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January 14, 2026

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Producing 1,250 horsepower, the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1X combines a mid-mounted V-8 engine and electric motor

The Corvette ZR1X is already the fastest and most powerful production example of Chevy’s iconic sports car built to date.

However, Chevrolet now says its mid-engined machine offers the fastest way to cover a quarter-mile for less than one million dollars.

It follows real-world performance testing at the US 131 Motorsports Park in Michigan, where the ZR1X made multiple runs on the specially prepared surface.

The result was a quarter-mile time of just 8.675 seconds, with a terminal speed of 165 mph. This makes the Corvette ZR1X quicker than a host of multi-million-dollar hypercars.

During the same run, the ZR1X also achieved a 0-60 mph acceleration time of just 1.68 seconds, generating a peak force of 1.75 G.

The all-American hypercar bargain

The Corvette’s rapid sprint down the quarter-mile strip was not just a one-off event, as Chevrolet completed multiple back-to-back passes. Using the same vehicle, all runs were logged at less than 8.8 seconds.

Notably, the ZR1X has a standard engine – although in this case, ‘standard’ means 1,250 horsepower and 953 lb-ft of torque from the hybrid V-8.

The twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter engine produces 1,064 horsepower on its own, with the electric motor driving the front axle adding a further 186 hp.

With electrified all-wheel drive, and the Corvette’s Custom Launch Control feature, nailing a quarter-mile time was made easy for Corvette development engineer and test driver, Stefan Frick.

“There are many different parts and subsystems on this car, with teams across the company responsible for them,” said Frick. “We were all motivated by the mission to break into the eights. This is a powerful example of the in-house skill at GM, and the level of performance we developed into this car.”

Made possible by being mid-engined

The Corvette ZR1X’s record-breaking run was made using pump gasoline, along with standard Michelin PS4S tires mounted on optional carbon fiber wheels.

Chevrolet did also test the ZR1X on an unprepared surface, resulting in a quarter-mile time of 8.99 seconds, with 0-60 mph taking 1.99 seconds. Even this puts the Corvette firmly amongst well-established supercar rivals.

“When we made the revolutionary shift to a mid-engine platform, this is the type of performance we knew was possible,” said General Motors president Mark Reuss.

Production of the Corvette ZR1X began last month, with a suggested retail price of $209,700. The company has also announced a ‘Stars & Steel Limited Edition’ model, made to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States.

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Jensen is back with new Interceptor-inspired V8 luxury GT

By

John Redfern

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January 14, 2026

0

Based in Banbury, Jensen International Automotive currently specialises in restomod versions of the classic Interceptor

A svelte new British grand tourer will be revealed later this year, inspired by the classic Jensen Interceptor.

Although full details remain under wraps, Jensen International Automotive (JIA) has confirmed that its bespoke GT will feature V8 power.

Based in Banbury, JIA currently specialises in restoring and enhancing the original Jensen Interceptor, even creating a supercharged version boosted by electric motors.

However, the as-yet-unnamed new sports car will be the marque’s first clean-sheet design, based on an aluminium chassis, with the promise of ‘elegant yet striking contemporary’ styling.

It hopes to channel the spirit of the Jensen Interceptor, creating a ‘thoroughly modern take’ on the luxury British GT car.

Classic inspiration, modern engineering

David Duerden, managing director of Jensen International Automotive, said: “Taking the theme of the luxury British GT to fresh, thoroughly modern heights, JIA’s first car is designed and engineered from the ground up to deliver an unmatched, deeply immersive, V8-powered driving experience.

“While it takes inspiration from the Jensen Interceptor launched 60 years ago, this is certainly no ‘restomod’ or ‘continuation’. It will stand proudly as a completely all-new car in its own right.”

JIA plans to hand-build the new vehicle in the UK, and in ‘ultra-low volumes’ only.

Making use of its decades of experience in restoring and enhancing the original Interceptor, JIA will create a new division focused solely on the rapid development of the new GT.

Six decades of progress

More details on the specification and design of the JIA GT will be released later this year, The car’s launch comes some six decades after the Jensen Interceptor first went into production.

More than 6,400 examples of the Interceptor were manufactured between 1966 and 1976, in liftback, convertible and rare coupe body styles.

However, the Interceptor’s biggest attraction was its all-American Chrysler engine. Originally offered with a 383-cubic inch (6.3-litre) V8, later models came with a gigantic 440-cubic inch (7.2-litre) motor delivering up to 385hp.

In his Retro Road Test of an Interceptor equipped with the 440-ci V8, our Tim Pitt said: “That engine is the main event. It rumbles like rolling thunder as two twin-barrel Weber carburettors gargle unleaded at a rate of 12.5 miles per gallon. It also pulls like an Amtrak train: effortless and knife-through-butter smooth.”

Hopefully we won’t have to wait long to see if JIA can channel the same big-block spirit into its new GT car.

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Home charge your EV for the equivalent of 350 miles per gallon

By

John Redfern

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January 14, 2026

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The new Standard Variable Tariff for electricity rose to 27.69p/kWh on 1 January 2026, and applies to EV charging

Despite electricity price increases at the start of the new year, charging an EV at home can still offer significant savings compared to running a petrol car.

This is the view of home charging specialist Ohme, which says electric car owners can combat the latest price increases by using a smart energy tariff.

Current fuel prices mean petrol costs an average of £1.36 per litre – equivalent to £6.17 per gallon. Typically, a modern petrol car will be capable of covering 40 miles per gallon of fuel.

Ohme notes that spending the same £6.17 via a smart charging energy tariff could power an electric car for up to 350 miles – the equivalent of 350mpg.

Smart charging can offset tariff increases

Ohme uses the electric Audi A6 Avant E-tron as an example of how drivers can save money using smart tariffs, compared to the new electricity Standard Variable Tariff of 27.69p/kWh.

Although most EV drivers are unlikely to run their battery completely flat, recharging the Audi’s 75.8kWh battery from zero to 100 percent would cost £20.99 using the Standard Variable Tariff.

However, using a dynamic electricity tariff such as Intelligent Octopus Go could cost £5.31 for the Audi’s full 361-mile range

“The idea of a car doing 350mpg would obviously be fanciful, but that could be the reality when charging your EV on a smart energy tariff at home,” said Ohme CEO David Watson.

“Charging at home will always be the most affordable place for EV drivers to charge their cars, even with this latest rise. Changing to a smart electricity tariff will enable drivers to maximise those savings still further.”

Making the case for home charging

Founded in 2017, Ohme is now the official UK home charging device provider for a range of vehicle manufacturers, including the Volkswagen Group, Mercedes-Benz, Genesis, Hyundai, Smart, Suzuki and XPeng.

Ohme is also the exclusive charger provider for customers who choose an electric vehicle through the Motability scheme.

Between September 2024 and April 2025, Ohme undertook its ‘Winter Crowdflex trial’, which encouraged drivers to plug in their EV to charge whenever they were at home.

Taking part in the trial earned Ohme customers more than £400,000 in seven months, aided by smart charging capabilities.

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Half of drivers risk damaging their car when de-icing

By

John Redfern

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January 14, 2026

0

Some 15 percent of drivers will leave their car running unattended to let it defrost, despite this potentially being illegal

British motorists risk damage to their vehicles through their winter morning habits, according to new research.

A survey undertaken by online marketplace eBay found that almost half of UK drivers potentially cause problems thanks to how they remove ice from their car.

Nearly one in five drivers (19 percent) admitted they have used boiling hot water to clear ice from windows, despite the risk of this causing glass to crack.

An additional 30 percent said they use windscreen wipers to remove ice. This can damage wiper blades and the motors powering them.

The great freeze out

A substantial number of drivers (18 percent) said they were happy to leave their car running to let it defrost, with 15 percent saying they would get on with other tasks while their vehicle is unattended.

Under rule 123 of the Highway Code, leaving a car running and unattended is illegal, and can potentially result in a fine.

Just under a third (32 percent) of drivers said they would use an ice scraper to clear their windscreen, with de-icer spray favoured by 26 percent.

Bank cards, paint scrapers and even CDs were some of the other options chosen by drivers in their battles with frozen windows.

Get prepared for winter conditions

Attitudes to de-icing differ between generations, with just over half (52 percent) of Gen-Z motorists saying they would fully defrost all windows before setting off on their journey. By contrast, 85 percent of older ‘Boomers’ would ensure every window was clear.

Some 19 percent said they were unaware that it was illegal to drive with windows still covered in ice or snow, risking a further fine.

Abir Tewari, UK director of parts and accessories at eBay, said: “Following the first cold snap of the season, we’re seeing motorists use a range of methods to clear their windscreens – some more effective and safer than others.

“It’s vital drivers prepare their vehicles properly for challenging winter conditions. That’s why eBay offers a wide selection of tried, tested and safe solutions to make cold mornings simpler and safer.”

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